India
oi-Swastika Sruti
In a major administrative move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (EC) has ordered the transfer and new postings of five IPS officers. The decision comes as part of preparations to ensure smooth and fair conduct of the polls.
The Election Commission transferred five IPS officers, appointing new DIGs for Murshidabad, Raiganj, Bardhaman, Presidency, and Jalpaiguri regions in West Bengal to ensure fair conduct of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for April.
Key IPS Appointments Announced
According to an official communication, several senior police officers have been assigned new roles as Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) across different regions in the state.
The appointments include:
- Ajeet Singh Yadav as DIG of Murshidabad
- Rathod Amitkumar Bharat as DIG of Raiganj Range
- Shrihari Pandey as DIG of Bardhaman
- Kankar Prosad Barui as DIG of Presidency Range
- Anjali Singh as DIG of Jalpaiguri
The commission has asked the state government to implement these changes immediately and submit a compliance report by March 19.
Focus on Strengthening Poll Preparedness
The reshuffle is part of a broader effort by the Election Commission to strengthen law and order arrangements ahead of the elections.
By appointing new officers in key regions, the commission aims to ensure neutrality and effective monitoring during the polling process.
Earlier Top-Level Transfers
This is not the first major administrative change in West Bengal ahead of the elections. Shortly after announcing the poll schedule, the Election Commission had already taken action against top officials.
Key changes included:
- Transfer of Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty
- Removal of Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena
- Replacement of DGP Peeyush Pandey
- Transfer of Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar
These decisions were aimed at ensuring a level playing field and maintaining public trust in the election process.
Poll Schedule Announced
The elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases:
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
With political activity increasing across the state, administrative preparedness is being closely monitored.
